Traffic stop nets shooting suspect

A 20-year-old Sunnyside man was arrested this past Sunday on suspicion of a drive-by shooting.

Yakima County Sheriff's deputies and Sunnyside police were dispatched to the 1200 block of Alexander Road south of Sunnyside at 2:54 a.m. on Sunday regarding a shooting.

Police say an occupant of one car fired several shots from a small handgun at another car carrying four people. The vehicle was hit by gunfire but none of the occupants were injured.

Witnesses provided a description of the suspect vehicle, which was broadcast to area law enforcement. Sunnyside police officers observed the suspect vehicle in the city of Sunnyside and stopped the car on Sixth Street, just south of Lincoln Avenue.

Deputies responded to the car stop and four occupants were detained. With witness statements, the alleged shooting suspect was identified as Ignacio Mojica and arrested. The firearm used in the assault was recovered.

Requested charges are four counts of second degree assault and one count of drive-by shooting.

In other sheriff's news in the Lower Yakima Valley since yesterday (Wednesday), deputies have dealt with one animal complaint, one report of harassment, one report of racing, one runaway, one threat, two traffic incidents and one wanted person. Deputies also fielded two informational calls.